Homemade Maize Puffs

Satisfy your snack cravings with these irresistible Homemade Maize Puffs—light, crispy, and packed with flavor. Crafted from simple pantry staples like maize flour, butter, and baking powder, these puffs are delightfully airy bites that melt in your mouth. Customize your creation by adding a dash of smoky paprika or a sprinkle of tangy cheese powder for an extra flavor boost. Perfectly baked in the oven for a healthier twist, these gluten-free snacks come together in just 40 minutes, making them ideal for quick gatherings or an afternoon treat. Enjoy them fresh or store them in an airtight container for snacking on-the-go. Easy to make, endlessly versatile, and utterly delicious, these maize puffs will become a favorite for the whole family!

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 250 g maize flour (cornmeal)
• 200 ml water
• 50 g butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 tsp paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• 2 tbsp cheese powder (optional, for a cheesy flavor)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil and add salt and butter. Stir until the butter is fully melted.

Step 2

Reduce the heat to low and gradually add maize flour to the pan, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon to prevent lumps.

Step 3

Allow the mixture to thicken, cooking it on low heat for about 5 minutes until it forms a smooth, non-sticky dough-like consistency.

Step 4

Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.

Step 5

Add baking powder and optionally paprika and cheese powder to the cooled maize mixture. Mix well.

Step 6

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 7

Transfer the cooled maize dough to a piping bag with a large round nozzle or use a ziplock bag with a corner cut off.

Step 8

Pipe small, meringue-sized mounds onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each for expansion.

Step 9

Using a brush, lightly coat each mound with olive oil to help them crisp up.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the maize puffs are lightly golden and crispy.

Step 11

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the maize puffs to cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	552.6 grams (552.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1607

Total Fat 76.70g	98%
Saturated Fat 29.60g	148%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.90g
Cholesterol 126mg	42%
Sodium 3246mg	141%
Total Carbohydrate 204.60g	74%
Dietary Fiber 19.30g	69%
Total Sugars 2.50g
Protein 20.70g	41%

Vitamin D 8IU	40%
Calcium 115mg	9%
Iron 7mg	37%
Potassium 439mg	9%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.4%

Protein: 5.2%

Carbs: 51.4%